USF to Host 2015 NCAA Golf Championships

Related Links

TAMPA - The University of South Florida was selected to host the 2015 NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Golf Championships, the NCAA announced on Monday. The events will be played at The Concession Golf Club with the women's tournament taking place May 22-27 followed by the men's tournament May 29-June 3.

This marks the first time the men's tournament will be played in the state of Florida since 1990. The women's tournament was last played in Florida in 2007.

"We're extremely excited to be hosting the NCAA Golf Championships in the Tampa Bay region," said USF Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Doug Woolard. "It's important to recognize the Cassidy family and The Concession Golf Club for their commitment and determination through the process of bringing these events to the area. It's a great representation of how important golf is to this community and the direction of our golf programs. We've had great success hosting NCAA Championships in the past, and we're thrilled to be welcoming almost 300 student-athletes from around the country, which will result in a positive economic impact. It should be a wonderful event, not just for the many golf enthusiasts, but for those who enjoy competition at the highest levels."

As part of its mission, USF has worked to remain an influential force in the surrounding communities, helping to bring a number of events to the Tampa Bay region. USF has served as host for the second and third rounds of the 2011 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, the 2009 NCAA Volleyball Championships, the first and second rounds of the 2008 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, the 2008 NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four, the 1999 NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four, the 1990 NCAA Men's Soccer Final Four and NCAA Men's Basketball Regionals in 2003, 1998, '94 and '83.

"The announcement that USF will host the NCAA Golf Championships is a culmination of a shared vision between the Cassidy family at The Concession and USF Athletics," said USF head men's golf coach Chris Malloy. "This is a great reflection of all the fine people and courses around the area that work so hard to contribute to the prosperity of the sport and our programs here at South Florida. With the Tampa Bay area having so many outstanding courses that host prestigious events, bringing the NCAA Championships here is a natural fit and is yet another example of our community's involvement and commitment to hosting championship golf. Having worked with the leadership group at The Concession, we know they are committed to putting on one of the top NCAA Championships in the event's history and we look forward to partnering with them in the coming years."

In addition to the site selection, the NCAA announced that the Golf Channel will air tournament action from both the Men's and Women's Championships beginning in 2015. The 2015 Championships will mark the first time in 18 years the NCAA Women's Division I Golf Championship will air live on television.

"This is an exciting development both for USF's golf programs and for women's golf at the collegiate level," said USF head women's golf coach Marci Kornegay. "The young women in our sport are extremely competitive and it's outstanding that their skills and passion will be on display across the country. In addition, this will give both coach Malloy and I the opportunity to show off all the attributes this area has to offer young golfers. The tournaments will be played at one of the premiere golf clubs in America. It's no wonder that the NCAA has decided to place its Championships there."